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Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken served as the featured image for a recipe article.

Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. It's easy to make and versatile enough to be served with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dishes, making it a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  5. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  8. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  9. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
  10. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
  11. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  13. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce.
  14. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  15. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  16. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  17. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is not thickening enough, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and gradually whisk it into the sauce while it simmers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken and sauce can be prepared separately ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.